On these pages you can find out more about farming in the Chilterns. You can find out what’s happening on the farm from month to month in our Chilterns farming year and check out some farming facts and figures where you can find out more about agriculture in the AONB. The Chilterns Conservation Board organises walks for the public on farms throughout the year. For more details go to the events section. If you are a landowner and would like some advice on how best to manage your land, the Conservation Board has produced some free guidance.
Agriculture has been taking place in one form or another for thousands of years in the Chilterns and today farming practices account for 75% of the total AONB land area making a major contribution to the appearance of the Chilterns landscape. There are two main types of farming: arable, which involves growing crops, for human or animal consumption and livestock which involves raising animals for milk or meat. Farming activities vary across the area, depending mainly on soil type and the topography or shape of the land. On the steep scarp slopes at Ivinghoe Beacon and Whiteleaf Cross, ploughing would be dangerous and the soils are thin, chalky and infertile. Here, grazing of sheep or cattle is the preferred form of agriculture rather than growing of crops. On the gentle slopes of the plateau where the soils are thicker, arable crops are grown. Where farming has ceased, for example on much of the scarp slope, bushes and trees quickly colonise changing the appearance of the landscape.
farming and land use officer
In recognition of the importance of farming to the Chilterns AONB, a Farming and Land Use Officer was appointed in November 2003. Duties include:
Updating the Conservation Board with agricultural and land management information.
Providing conservation and land management advice to farmers and landowners within the AONB.
Raising awareness of farming and its role in land management.
Improving links between conservation organisations and farmers in the AONB.
more information
Contact: Tracy Adams
Farming and Land Use Officer
Conservation Board
Tel 01844 355523
Email tadams@chilternsaonb.org
